Phil Foden’s late goal and Everton being denied a penalty for an apparent Rodri handball by VAR proved enough for Manchester City to edge to a 1-0 win and restore their lead atop the Premier League table to six points.
City were frustrated by the Toffees for large parts of the evening at Goodison Park but started to turn the screw in the second half as they sought a winner.
Jordan Pickford made a number of impressive saves from the likes of Foden, John Stones, Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva but eventually the England goalkeeper’s resistance was broken when Bernardo’s low cross deflected off Mason Holgate into the six-yard box and Foden guided the ball home with 82 minutes played.
Everton looked certain to be given a golden opportunity to equalise when the ball reared up and hit Rodri’s arm in his own box shortly after but following a lengthy check, VAR determined it wasn’t a penalty and City could breathe again.
Not too long ago, Pep Guardiola’s men looked like the champions-elect but a brilliant run of form from Liverpool, combined with a City’s surprising draw at Southampton and even more shocking defeat at home to Spurs, means the title race is back on.
But with Liverpool in Carabao Cup final action on Sunday, Guardiola’s troops got back on track to move six points clear of the Reds atop the Premier League table although Everton are now 17th and precariously positioned just above the drop zone.
Relive all the action from Goodison Park:
